The Chemistry of Silica: Solubility, Polymerization, Colloid and Surface Properties and Biochemistry of Silica [Hardcover]

Ralph K. Iler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 047102404X | ISBN-13: 978-0471024040 | Publication Date: May 1979

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Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Provides a comprehensive account of the silica chemistry involved in a wide range of research and development activities, and a wealth of information on production and production control. Discusses the solubility of different forms of silica and the factors that influence dissolution and deposition, comparing and recommending analytical methods. Describes the mechanism of polymerization of silicic acid and formation of colloid, and the mechanism by which silica powders and gels are formed and their properties controlled. Examines the many types and uses of commercial concentrated sols, gels, and ultrafine powders. Covers the applications and biochemical properties of the surface chemistry of silica, and the role of silica in different life forms. Includes extensive references.

From the Inside Flap

Silica, the major component of the earth’s solid surface and the constituent of ordinary sand, becomes involved at some point in a great many phases of modern technology and science. It is an essential material in many, if not all, forms of life. Its role in human disease, aging, and health is just beginning to be explored. Here is a comprehensive account of the basic chemistry involved in a wide range of research and development activities, as well as a wealth of information on production and production control. Beginning with the solubility of different, forms of silica and the factors that influence dissolution and deposition, the solution chemistry of silica is introduced. The author also compares and recommends analytical methods. The digest of all currently available information provides a solid background as to the nature of soluble silicates and particularly the mechanism of polymerization of silicic acid and formation of colloid. For the first time, the mechanism by which silica sols, powders and gels are formed and their properties controlled is clearly described. Next, the many types and uses of commercial concentrated sols, gels, and ultrafine powders are examined, followed by a discussion of the biochemical properties and many applications of the surface chemistry of silica. The final chapter draws together all aspects of the occurrence and importance of silica in different life forms. Those engaged in research, development, and production in the many diverse fields and industries in which silica plays a vital role—such as chemistry, biology, medicine, agriculture, metallurgy, and mining—will find The Chemistry of Silica an indispensable reference.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 866 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Interscience (May 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047102404X
• ISBN-13: 978-0471024040
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,224,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Classic, May 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Chemistry of Silica: Solubility, Polymerization, Colloid and Surface Properties and Biochemistry of Silica (Hardcover)

This book has 7 chapters, and is an update of the 1955 edition. It is a comprehensive overview of inorganic silica chemistry up until 1979 and is full of information; each chapter has 200 to 400 references (5*). However, I have always been mystified by the organization of the material within the chapters, and have never found this to be an easy book to use to find information quickly (1*). However, because of its comprehensiveness, it is a necessary book for anyone who practices inorganic silica chemistry. (It's the ONLY book of its type! 20 years, and no competition! Another update is sorely needed) A complementary, more modern book on silica chemistry is the "Better Ceramics through Chemistry - Sol-Gel Silica" compilation by Brinker and Scherer. Both of these books are geared towards researchers, rather than use as texts.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ralph K. Iler is a scientific genius!!, July 2, 2002

By 

Dr. Leslie Brown "Doc Brown" (Tenerife, Spain, Canary Islands.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chemistry of Silica: Solubility, Polymerization, Colloid and Surface Properties and Biochemistry of Silica (Hardcover)

Ok, I just had to write this review to even out the other one. This literally a whole life's work on silica. It deserves 5 stars, if not more!!

Like the Title says, It covers everything: true silica solutions (e.g. monosilicic acid); polymerisation of silica networks; colloidal aggregation (gel formation); surface chemistry (Si-OH bonding), etc. The most relevant section to me was the colloidal aggregation and silanol groups, since my PhD is on opal. But it definitely won't take the place of the appropriate scientific journal articles to your specific field of study. Consider it a damn good intro to silicate chemistry. The whole book is easily understood, because there aren't too many formulae (which tend to cause discontinuities in texts). Just the information that you need on silica.

It has loads of figures (for example: effect of pH or temperature on gel formation), and you will often see them reprinted in various science papers - even today (they're that good). It isn't one of those symposium-type books; this is the only book of its kind.

The only thing is the price. If you want your very own copy, you'll have to cough up [a lot of money]. Let's face it, if you're researching silica: you're going to need this book. Either you'll have to allocate some of your research fund, or you might consider borrowing it from your local library.

4.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive reference for researchers, June 24, 2009

By 

Bill Mullee (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chemistry of Silica: Solubility, Polymerization, Colloid and Surface Properties and Biochemistry of Silica (Hardcover)

Dr. Iler has written one of the definitive tomes on silica that stands as a "must have" for anyone involved in silica chemistry. A good example of the truism that one generally gets what they pay for.